In Memory of Robin Gibb...

WittyCulus.com is saddened by the passing on of Robin Gibb, founding member of The Bee Gees, our all-time favorite pop group. Robin died on Sunday, May 20th, after battling with cancer and intestinal surgery**. He was in a coma recently but came to almost miraculously, before he succumbed and left us.

**Correction: In a report on Yahoo Music, Robin-John (RJ) was quoted as saying his father, Robin Gibb, had “actually died of kidney failure.” A screenshot of that article is shown below…

The music world has lost a great talent. Robin has just completed his latest work of art: a classical album called “Titanic Requiem, 2012” that commemorates the 100th year of the sinking of the Titanic. Robin and his son RJ wrote the score for the requiem, which was recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered at the Central Hall, Westminster, London on April 10th.

This album is Robin’s venture into classical music — indeed quite a refreshing change from the pop and R&B we have come to expect. Undoubtedly, his talent shines through in this project. For a taste, listen to Robin sing this beautiful and haunting piece entitled “Don’t Cry Alone”.

Robin’s trademark vocal is unmistakable and hard to ignore. Many of us will remember well the classic “I Started A Joke”, featuring his signature quavering voice at its best. And also “Massachusetts”, another classic Bee Gees song with Robin singing lead. Have a listen to both songs below — don’t they bring back memories of the good old days?

And some 30 years on, Robin still sounded just as good. The opening of the song “I Will” proves this. This is almost like the perfect Bee Gees song — Robin leads… harmonized falsettos… Barry joins in before that killer chorus… and then it melodiously erupts… intertwined vocals… bridge… the works… Wow!

Many people mistakenly associate The Bee Gees with disco. True, they were at the peak of their success when their “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack album reigned supreme on the US album charts for 24 straight weeks (January to July, 1978). It also featured on Billboard’s album charts for 120 weeks until March, 1980.

SNF produced a string of number one hits, like the ballad “How Deep Is Your Love”; dance numbers “Staying Alive” and “Night Fever”; and “If I Can’t Have You”, which was performed by Yvonne Elliman. Included in the SNF album were “You Should Be Dancing” and “Jive Talking” from earlier releases.

But The Bee Gees were already in the music scene way before “Fever”. And after disco became passe, they continued to surprise with many hits of their own and also successful albums for big stars like Barbara Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers and Diana Ross. The list goes on…

The Bee Gees sound is instantly recognizable: perfect 3-part harmony and beautiful execution of both natural and falsetto vocals. The best songs feature Robin and Barry Gibb singing lead in alternate or interleaved arrangements. And culminating in strong melodious choruses. Favorites include “Bodyguard”, “Embrace” [sounds a bit like Juliet] and “When He’s Gone” [rock on, Robin!].

And when Robin sings the chorus, it’s so classic yet explosive. Like in “Wedding Day” and “Run To Me” — nobody does it better! Not forgetting the power ballad “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, of course.

Robin Gibb lives on forever, in the songs and music he has created from the 1960’s to present time. It is our wish that Robin’s fans out there will find this little musical tribute meaningful and provide some comfort while coming to terms with his departure. Our Robin Gibb playback ends with these lyrics from “Smoke And Mirrors”:

May God bless you, keep you safe from all harm
I stand by you always

Please feel free to share your favorite Robin Gibb songs by commenting on this post.